The following “Chew This!” column originally appeared in “The Courier-Times” and / or “The Shelbyville News”. Check their websites for further information and dates.
CJ’s Candies inspired chocolate fudge
Blaise Doubman
My friend Valerie Lamb is the mastermind behind New Castle’s newest candy business, “CJ’s Candies”. She used to be an employee at The Original Good’s Candies in Kennard, where she would hand dip all of their wonderful handmade confections. When The Original Good’s Candies was shut downlast January and production was relocated to Columbus, Ohio where all the candy is now mass produced by machines, Valerie decided to try her hand at the process and give the local people the candy that they remember growing up with. Candy that is lovingly handmade with pride and not mass produced in a cold workroom of steel in another state. So far her business has taken off! You can find her on Facebook and Instagram. Her candy is $20 a pound and comes in a variety of delicious flavors both in milk and dark chocolate. She also offers home delivery.
The recipe I am sharing here today was inspired by Val’s work and her delicious chocolate. Everyone loves chocolate and everyone loves fudge. Also, who does not love easy? This 4 ingredient fudge, not counting the optional chopped nuts, could not be any easier. Simply replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, peanut butter flavored or even butterscotch flavored chips and the resulting fudge will blow your mind in taste and ease.
Easy and Delicious Chocolate Fudge
Leftovers can be kept covered at room temperature for about 3-4 days.
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
In a large microwave safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk. Place in microwave, on high, and microwave for one minute.
Remove and add the pure vanilla extract and the melted salted butter. Stir gently before placing back into the microwave and microwaving, on high, another minute or two until the mixture is soft and smooth but not scorched.
Add in the chopped nuts if using.
Beat this mixture until it turns dull. Pour into a greased 9-inch square pan and smooth the top.
Allow to cool completely before cutting.
Ask and Answer: A few people have written in and wondered if I plan on reviewing restaurants on my website. I have thought about it and even temporarily did just that on my Facebook pages but that was years ago. Maybe if I have the extra time in the future, I’ll pick it back up.